A Message from the Chair of SMAFS:

I am writing to tell you that Kate and I have decided after much consideration to stand down from the music festival. There are a number of reasons for this. Although there was disappointment when we had to cancel this years event, having set up the Fundrazr facility and widely publicised this in the media, on social media and at the traders music event, the number of people donating is minuscule. We have had only 15 transactions recorded with £114 raised. I think this sends us a clear message that in spite of the disappointment voiced by the community, people are not prepared to donate to this event.

Added to this the work that Kate and I are involved with now takes us abroad with great frequency. We both also have the added complication of ill health with our elderly parents.

We are extremely disappointed to have to convey this to you but at this stage with our other work and domestic commitments, we feel it is the only sensible thing to do. Unless someone comes forward willing to take on this task, then we will liaise with Julie, our Treasurer to wind up the monies that we currently have and perhaps agree to donate them elsewhere.

Thank you to all for your interest and commitment over the years that we have done this. We have really enjoyed it, there has been great community spirit with it and we are sad to have to stop.

Please get in touch if there is anything you want to discuss with ourselves, Julie or Collin.

We will keep you informed as to the winding up of the festival, the website and the fundrzr account and where these monies will be donated.

Day of Music and Fun

The ‘Day of Music and Fun’ took place in Stone town centre on Saturday 16th August.All the artists played for free – The Ben Owen Trio (and Ben’s Young Musicians’ Collective performers), Murphy’s Marbles and Stone Cold Sober…ish. HSL provided the stage, Dave Williams the kit and Ian Goodship paramedic cover – again, all for free. A wonderful example of the people of Stone coming together for the good of the community.

Local favourites Murphy's Marbles (photo by Joshua Cope, with thanks to A Little Bit of Stone)

Many thanks to Stone’s independent traders, who organised the event. They sold voucher / raffle booklets on the day, and you can find a list of the winning tickets below.